Design Wall Monday 6-24-13

It's been a while since I finished this little beauty but it had to wing its way to England before I could show you.  I'm a member of Kathy Tracy's Small Quilt Talk yahoo group and this small quilt was made for a swap.

I was very happy with the quilting in the border.  It's evenly spaced, I mean nearly perfect.  (Yes, I am bragging just a bit. But I am really thrilled how well it turned out!) Here's what I did to achieve that. 

I carefully measured the sides of the quilt and then cut tracing paper to fit.  Then I quartered the paper and folded it.  At each fold I center one of the "Xs" so that they were in the correct position.  Then I drew in the remaining straight lines.  I basically did the same for the corners although I didn't draw a full X. Then using Bubbles, the domestic sewing machine, I quilted right through the paper on the lines.  Voila!  Instant, (well, not quite that instant!) perfectly spaced quilting.  

When we send these little packages we try to add some other goodies.  Here's what I added.  I made up a little kitty cat mug rug because my partner, Val, likes cats.  I think I should have used a bit heavier embroidery thread for the nose and eyes.  With the spotted fabric you can't really see the face.  

Here's a shot of all the little goodies I sent. The right side purse is a snap purse.  Left side shows a couple of pieces of fabric -- one reproduction the other has the feel of reproduction -- wait, I think it is the other way around! 

Here's the little quilt Val sent back to me.  I haven't quite figured out why I like this one so much but I do.  I love the border fabric.  I like the color combination -- a red, white and blue that doesn't scream patriotic red, white and blue.  Slightly country but it doesn't scream country.  Just a perfect little quilt from my point of view.  Thanks Val. 

I got several wonderful little gifties back.  Val really was thinking about the fact this little quilt and goodies were going across the pond.  She sent me a piece of fabric that was commemorating William and Kate's wedding.  And, I'm sure the ribbon with the heart is also from that time.  I'm sure there aren't all that many American's with this fabric!  

She also enclosed postcards and that cute little note book.  Wonderful swap.  And, I have to say Val really spoiled me.  Thanks bunches! 

Here's last week's goals.  Not bad but I wasn't as focused as I should have been! I'm not putting a lot on this week's goals as I hope to focus on these few things and get them done! We'll see. 

Week of June 17, 2013

Finish one or two little flag quilts√ tops done

Make 2 more heart blocks√

Finish flannel charity quilt

Make brown bag block

Begin working on a quilt from the 1800’s blocks

Pack up a box of books√

Applique more orange peels√ 

Week of June 24, 2013

Finish flannel charity quilt

Make brown bag block

Begin working on a quilt from the 1800’s blocks

Pack up a box from the shelves that will be moved first.

Keep working on the orange peel blocks

I'll be linking up with Patchwork Times this morning.  Go over and look at what folks have on their design walls. 

Happy Quilting All!